The NH 90 medium transport helicopter was
developed by the NH Industries as a standard NATO helicopter. The NH
Industries is a joint venture of the Italian AugustaWestland,
French-German Eurocopter and Stork Fokker of Holland. It is considered
to be the most advanced medium transport helicopter in the world.
Currently a total of 357 NH 90 helicopters are ordered from 11
countries.

The NH 90 comes in two main
versions the NH 90 TTH or Tactical Transport Helicopter and NFH - NATO
Frigate Helicopter. The TTH can transport up to 2.5 tons of cargo or up
to 20 troops, while the NFH is basically a multi-role anti-submarine
warfare and anti-ship naval helicopter. In the anti-submarine (ASW) role
it can detect, identify and attack enemy submarines, while on the
anti-ship mission it can attack ships with over-the-horizon capability.
The NFH carries anti-submarine torpedoes and air-to-surface missiles,
sonobuoy launcher and dipping sonar.

Other roles of the NH 90
include anti-air warfare, vertical replenishment, search and rescue,
mine laying and VIP transport.

The NH 90 incorporates some
of the self-protection measures, fond on the
Eurocopter Tiger attack helicopter.
These include missile approach warning system, integrated radar and
laser warning receivers, chaff and flare dispensers.

The NH 90 is powered by two
RTM 322-01/9 engines developed by Turbomeca (Rolls-Royce). However
Italian-built helicopters are completed with FiatAvio T700/T6E1 engines.
All engines are fitted with an advanced engine control system.

The NH 90 is the first
medium-size helicopter to have full fly-by-wire controls. It can take
off and land at night or adverse weather conditions. It has a crew of
two - pilot and tactical coordinator. This helicopter is fitted with the
most modern aviation suite.